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http://www.tagsrwc.com/cgi-bin/crumpbb/YaBB.pl Library Archives >> Recess >> Guess who I saw this weekend? http://www.tagsrwc.com/cgi-bin/crumpbb/YaBB.pl?num=1314705200 Message started by Pierre on Aug 30^th, 2011 at 6:53am

Title: Guess who I saw this weekend?
Post by Pierre on Aug 30^th, 2011 at 6:53am

Grandson's birthday. He was ecstatic!

Title: Re: Guess who I saw this weekend?
Post by Phil Sunkel on Aug 30^th, 2011 at 2:22pm

Pierre wrote on Aug 30^th, 2011 at 6:53am:

He was ecstatic !

I'll bet ! My nephew is crazy about Thomas too. :)

Title: Re: Guess who I saw this weekend?
Post by Mary Grace on Aug 30^th, 2011 at 3:31pm

Oh, what a memorable experience! My nephews were all big Thomas the Tank enthusiasts, too! Thanks for sharing that!

Title: Re: Guess who I saw this weekend?
Post by Pierre on Aug 30^th, 2011 at 4:34pm

This mock-up of Thomas the Tank Engine tours the country. This one more or less is permanently stationed in the US for appearances like this and tours the country. He may be coming to a rail museum or station near you. If you know of a TtTE fan, check out their official site for his schedule.

From what I can determine from a cursory examination. This engine is not much more than a steam kettle on wheels. He toots and belches steam during his trip, but the real motive power was a retired EMD SD7 ex Southern Pacific diesel electric locomotive pushing from behind. But you couldn't tell it from the excitement of the kids.

We saw him at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. This has become an annual event at the IRM.

Title: Re: Guess who I saw this weekend?
Post by Pierre on Aug 30^th, 2011 at 4:42pm

http://events.hitentertainment.com/us/day-out-with-thomas/schedule2011.pdf is a link to the 2011 schedule.

Comparing the overlap of dates (Sept.) It would appear that there are 5 to 6 Thomas engines touring the U.S.

Since this model doesn't appear to have any motive power, I wondered how they moved it from place to place. By evidence of the 'knuckle coupler' I suspect he is pulled from place to place as part of another train.

Title: Re: Guess who I saw this weekend?
Post by widow bradshaw on Aug 31^st, 2011 at 12:03am

I've toured the railroad museum in Spencer, N.C. before but knowing Thomas is coming there next month makes me want to re visit the museum!

Title: Re: Guess who I saw this weekend?
Post by Pierre on Aug 31^st, 2011 at 8:18am

I had wanted to go to the IRM for years. I am absolutely amazed at the work that is done here. I am equally amazed at the expense that it must take to keep these places running. They must have a dozen l-o-o-o-ong machine sheds storing cars and engine sets. Many, but not all, returned to fully functioning engines. I do believe this is a worthy cause. Support them when you can.

Steam engines were absolutely massive, complex pieces of machinery.